All posts by Monna

Sep 26
0

Natural Congestion Remedy: How to “Hose” Baby’s Nose

By | Natural Health, Parenting | 3 Comments

In babies, the nose, throat, ears are so close together and the passages are small. Congestion can lead to earaches, sinus infections or coughing. When my kids get congested, cough and complain about earaches, I “hose the nose” to move the congestion and avoid infection.

We use Simply Saline for the kids as I’ve not yet figured out how to get such small ones to use a neti pot. I hose their noses before they shower, after they shower and several times throughout the day (when they are too congested to clear it themselves).

Does sticking nasal spray up your little one’s nose (especially when it’s so small) sound intimidating? I thought so too but we’re old pros at it now. It’s so worth it to see my kids get better more quickly.


Here’s how I “hose a baby’s nose”.

1. Make eye contact and communicate.
This is so important. Before I do anything new with my baby – especially if it might scare him, I always hold him close, look into his eyes and talk to him. With the nose spray, I explain that he might not like it but that it will help him feel better. When I exude calm, he feels it and is more calm too.

2. Hold Baby Securely and Comfortably Next, I cradle him in my arms in a way that allows me to hold his body and head firmly so I don’t poke him with the nasal spray can. Before I became a pro at this, I’d lay him on the bed and cradle him with my body and arm. Much more secure!

3. Gently SprayI gently place the tip of the sprayer in his nostril and give it a good spray. I keep eye contact with my little guy while doing this, smile and encourage him.

4. Tip-Top After the good spray, I gently lift my little guy and tip his body slightly back so the saline stays in his nose for a few minutes and has the chance to loosen all that gunk.

5. Wipe & – Done! Finally, I gently wipe his nostrils with a soft cloth (not tissue) so his skin doesn’t get raw.

I always make eye contact with my baby and talk him through the entire process to reassure him I love him and that he will be ok. I didn’t know to do this with my first baby and she was just as freaked out as I felt when we had these experiences. With experience, I have learned! My youngest was scared the first few times we had to spray his nose but within a day, he handled it calmly.

And there you have it. How to “hose a baby’s nose”!

Like this? Then share it!

 

Sep 24
0

The Rest of Your Life…

By | Live NOW | 2 Comments

This tea from my friend Latisha (the Herbmother) reminds me of sunshine! Visit her at www.herbmother.com

How is it possible that it’s Monday again and we’re almost finished with September? I have only started sensing that wonder I experience every year when temperatures start to cool here after a seemingly interminable summer. Saturday, a glimpse at the calendar revealed that it would have been my dad’s 83rd birthday were he still here. That means it’s nearly October. It should be cool!

The fall/winter holidays will soon be here and those are some busy days for most people. I can already feel the pull to do, do, do with no break and that does not bode well for my health or my peace of mind. It’s not good for my family either.

So, consider this post an encouragement – especially if you’re caring for others – to care first for yourself. If you’re not healthy, how can you nurse your family?

Today, get some sunshine, drink something nourishing and delicious (like my tea) and take at least 5 minutes to sit, breathe deeply and just relax.

As my daddy used to say (doubtless, quoting some inspirational speaker, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

You see, this is not a rehearsal for life. This IS life – the good, the bad and the beautiful. You need rest in your life if you’re going to enjoy the REST of your life. Get it?

Now, when you’re done sipping that tea – Get out there and live it!

Sep 20
1

It’s Not JUST the Short Shorts: Top 10 Reasons THIS is the Best Show Ever

By | Breastfeeding, Uncategorized | 9 Comments

I HATE summer TV. It’s so boring. I despise reality TV so I’m hurting for a good show in the summer. It’s hot, grumpy weather so I’m looking for lighthearted, enjoyable entertainment. While my husband and friends catch up on missed epis of Downtown Abbey (snore…), I prefer mystery (detective shows), especially if they’re funny.

This summer, I found the perfect, nostalgic show on Netflix streaming.

The character driven, humorous drama-dy (drama-comedy, get it?) set in the late 70’s, early ’80’s possesses a timeless appeal thanks to good writing and great chemistry amongst cast members. And, of course, it’s written and produced by Donald Bellisario, a name you’ll find associated with other popular shows like Blacksheep Squadron, JAG and current hit NCIS.

If you’re a friend, you already know the show because I’ve been peppering you with trivia about it lately. When I mentioned it to a friend the other day, she laughed and said, “Ew, he (the main character) always wore such short shorts!” While I question the validity of my friendship with someone who doesn’t find the man in the short shorts attractive, that’s not the only reason I love watching.

Have you figured it out yet?

It’s one of the best shows ever aired on network TV.

Magnum P.I., baby. That’s right. Pure awesome-ness.

Clearly I’ve spent way too much time watching this show. Heehee.

For proof, see observations AND trivia below.

1. Best theme song ever. It’s not the original used in the pilot and the first few episodes. It’s better. And, it’s a full minute long. So cool.

2. Breaking the Fourth Wall – Magnum’s looks at the audience in humorous moments. Not taking itself too seriously = Success.

 

3. Magnum’s.amazing.curly.hair.

4. Life in paradise. Mansion guest house, rad Ferrari, breathtaking surroundings. If you can’t go to Paradise, watch it.

5. The Ferrari . I.LOVE.THIS.CAR!!!!! How many times did he wreck that car anyway? For trivia freaks, he apparently drove two models – a 1978 308 GTS carbureted model and a 1983 308 GTSi QV. I stole that info off the web somewhere. Vrroomm!

5. Magnum’s 9 Lives – For a former special forces dude, Magnum’s pretty clutzy. It’s endearing. Nonetheless, he has a catlike ability to escape disaster.

6. Higgins, or as TC refers to him, Higgy-baby. I LOVE the dro-ll majordomo. He + Magnum = best frenemies ever. Even when they prove their friendship in dramatic, life saving episodes, they manage to return to their funny-antagonistic relationship very quickly. p.s. John Hillerman (Higgin’s real name) isn’t British at all. He was born in Texas. Yee-Haw!

7. TC and Rick. Brothers from another mother. They survived Vietnam together & T.C., Rick and Magnum have each other’s backs. Without Rick’s Chicago mob ties, TC’s helicopter & their willingness to jump into his cases Magnum’s success rate as a P.I. would not be nearly so high.

8. Magnum’s self-deprecating manner. Apparently Selleck’s character was originally written to be a lot more macho. He wasn’t yet a star but he lobbied for a less “superhero” character. Result? The funny, often-gets-his-butt-kicked, integrity filled Magnum we love today. Well, I love him anyway.

9. The way Magnum holds his gun. Like it’s a toy. I guess when you’re 6’3″ most handguns seem small enough to be toys. It always looks like a water pistol to me.

10. The short shorts. Come on people. You didn’t think I was gonna ignore those, did ya? Somehow he carries it off. TC and Rick’s unbuttoned shirts make this list too. Was this really the style??

Gotta say, beyond my top ten shallow reasons for watching Magnum P.I., I love the moral character aspect of this show. The main characters are men of integrity. They are honorable, loyal to friends & determined to stand up for justice. We could all use friends like these guys.

Plus, they seem like they’d be fun people to hang with, don’t they?

Summer’s almost coming to a close – so some of my ‘real’ shows will be airing again soon. But until then, I’ll be kickin’ back with Maganum (DGirl’s name for him) and his friends as they clear Hawaii of the bad guys.

Sep 14
0

Eat at a Local Central Phoenix Restaurant Tonight: Here Are Some Options!

By | Local Phoenix, Local Restaurants | No Comments
The Halibut Sandwich

Windsor’s Halibut Sandwich

My friend Chris emailed me today asking if I’d recommend some fun local spots for dinner. I realized it would make a great post. Just getting out of the house for a date when you have kids is a challenge. Eating out on a budget and trying to find a new local restaurant to try is an accomplishment!

Not only does shopping locally yield delicious food and a unique sense of community, it can improve your local economy. According to Local First http://www.localfirst.com/why_local_first/, when we spend $100 locally, $68 stay in the state vs. $43 spent at big box or chain restaurants. We can make a huge improvement in our local economy by just spending our dollars here.

Of course, you don’t have to spend $100 to enjoy the benefits of eating local. Rob and I recently challenged ourselves to spend under $20 on a date – eating local food. And we did it! I promise to post how we did it soon.

We tend to gravitate toward the same spots in Central Phoenix, not only because they are local and we like the food but because after a while, we’ve discovered we feel a sense of community seeing the same people there. Phoenix is a pretty small town once you start eaten local.

Here are some great local spots you might consider if you’re looking for something to do tonight on your date.

Postino’s Wine Cafe – the Central location. On the West side of central just north of Camelback, it’s hip without being stuck up. Food is simple but flavorful and fresh. You’ll find bruschetta and wine, paninis and salads. Delicious beers on tap and of course, a full selection of wine. (see the name!) If you get dessert, try the salted caramel sunday. Oh.my.gosh.

Windsor – American-style food with a much fresher flavor. Owned by the same people who own Postinos. Great energy (fun!) and same great beer pitcher prices though usually different selections. One of my favorite meals is the grain salad with roasted beets. Also, the pulled pork sandwich. YUM! Here’s my Windsor review.

For dessert after Windsor – try Churn, the homemade Ice Cream spot right next door. They serve flavors like coconut lime, fresh blackberry and of course, the normal vanilla-chocolate etc. SO good. They also offer sundaes and ice cream sandwiches.

St. Francis is great for a little ‘fancier’ (and only slightly more expensive) dining experience. I reviewed them for breakfast one time but their dinners are fab too. I just always forget to take pics before digging into the food. Their food is also locally sourced, fairly healthy and delicious. Yummy drinks too.

Here’s the brunch review. Their architecture is cool too – try to get seated upstairs above the bar for a great view.

If you want to stop for coffee after dinner – try Lux just down the street. They’re south of Camelback on the west side of Central across from Central High. Delicious coffee – and the shop is always hoppin’ without feeling too busy. They serve food too and it’s delicious but the ambience is not as “restaurant-y” as the other spots.

I love all these local spots because not only do they tend to be delicious and locally sourced foods but made from scratch kind of places too.

This is a short, short list of your options in Phoenix. Other restaurants that come to mind are The Vig Uptown and Cibo (Oh my yes).

Don’t take my word for it. Venture out and try something new!

Remember if you’re eating in Central Phoenix, you’ll be parking valet. It’s worth the extra few bucks not to have your car towed because you parked in the wrong spot. Trust me on this.

And have a great night out! It’s getting cooolllllll!!

What are you favorite local spots in Phoenix?

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